Conservationists have long been aware that political boundaries rarely coincide with natural boundaries. From the establishment of early "peace parks" to the designation of continental migratory pathways, a wide range of transborder mechanisms to protect biodiversity have been established by conservationists in both the public and private sectors. Conservation Across Borders presents a broad overview of the history of transboundary conservation efforts and an accessible introduction to current issues surrounding the subject. Through detailed examinations of two initiatives, the International Sonoran Desert Alliance (ISDA) and the Yellowstone to Yukon Initiative (Y2Y), the book helps readers understand the benefits and challenges of landscape-scale protection.
In addition to discussing general concepts and the specific experience of ISDA and Y2Y, the author considers the emerging concept of "conservation effectiveness" and offers a comparative analysis of the two projects. The book ends with a discussion of the complex relationships among civil society, governments, and international borders.
By considering the history, goals, successes, and failures of two divergent initiatives, the book offers important insights into the field of transborder conservation along with valuable lessons for those studying or working in the field.
Review Quotes
"...will benefit those interested in environmental efforts, organizational development, and international cooperation between citizens of different countries." Choice
"Written with scholarly precision yet accessible to lay readers as well as environmental activists, Conservation Across Borders is strongly recommended reading especially for anyone involved in a large-scale environmental movement, so as not to repeat the mistakes of the past." Midwest Book Review
"For any conservation practitioner it is valuable to find people like Chester who devote a significant portion of their time and intellect carefully documenting, synthesizing, and contrasting major conservation efforts around the world. They help to keep them alive and continue to grow." Oryx
"Conservation Across Borders is a profound book—revealing that what seems a nice idea, indeed on further thought a fundamental idea for a sustainable future, is in fact based on a complex and dynamic reality. No conservation practitioner can afford to be without it. A marvelous achievement, destined to be a conservation classic." Thomas Lovejoy, president, The Heinz Center for Science, Economics and the Environment
"When it comes to the complex world of large landscape conservation, we must look to the past for lessons while striving ahead. This book helps us do that." Mary Granskou, Wildlands Project, director, Ottawa, Canada
Contents
Preface
Chapter 1. Rising Above the Territories of Chance Chapter 2. The Multiple Personalities of Transborder Conservation Chapter 3. Border Biosphere Reserves and The International Sonoran Desert Alliance Chapter 4. Landscape Vision and the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative Chapter 5. Conservation Effectiveness in the Territories of Chance
Acknowledgments List Of Interviewees List Of Abbreviations A Note On Web Notes Index
